8 Surprising Ways To Help Prevent Cognitive Decline

Your brain, like the muscles in your body, needs exercise to stay in shape. Without it, you increase your risk for a decline in your cognitive skills, including memory, reasoning and attention.

Cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process and one that varies in severity from one person to the next. In some instances, it leads to dementia. There is still a lot we don’t know about the brain and why some people develop cognitive issues while others don’t.

But risk factors include:

• Over the age of 65
• Family history of dementia
• A genetic variant (APOE4) that increases risk for Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain injuries
• Depression
• Diabetes and other chronic conditions
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking
• Alcohol

A lot of things – age and genetics for example – that are beyond your control. Yet there are strategies – including some that may surprise you – you can use to fortify your brain and lower your risk.

1. Exercising: Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is good for your health in lots of ways – with many of them also benefiting your brain. Exercise can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. It also helps reduce blood sugar levels, which decreases your risk for diabetes. Look for activities that involve moderate to vigorous exertions levels, including brisk walking, swimming, biking or pickleball. Researchers are still working out why physical activity is so beneficial to the brain, but it could include hormonal changes and may increase brain volume.
2. Dancing: This type of physical exercise deserves individual recognition. Research has shown that dancing can help older adults avoid falls and retain their physical abilities. But it also provides a boost to cognitive skills. Dancing offers a strong combination of social engagement and the need to coordinate your body’s movement, timed to music. That’s a lot of activity to keep your brain engaged.
3. Playing Games: There are mixed views on the value of crossword puzzles, brain teasers and board games in terms of boosting your cognitive power. There have been studies suggesting there are benefits. And there is no doubt that these games force you to use different neural pathways, which is always a good thing. And in the end, it’s certainly not going to hurt you to play games.
4. Trying Something New: Avoid settling into a routine where you watch the same shows, eat the same food and take part in the same activities. When you try new things, you can prompt unused areas of your brain to become more active. You’ll think more and may receive dopamine rewards that can improve your mood. So leave your comfort zone behind and try a different activity, restaurant or food you’ve never eaten.
5. Eating Better: A bad diet contributes to several cognitive risk factors, including diabetes and high cholesterol. Eating more fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy fats (olive oil and nuts, for example) promotes better circulation in your body, including your brain. Consider the MIND diet, which takes elements from the popular Mediterranean and DASH diets.
6. Getting Hearing Aids: Hearing issues can be a significant contributor to cognitive decline. People with hearing problems are more likely to be socially isolated, keeping them from valuable interactions that stimulate the brain. Unfortunately, too many people are afraid of hearing aids because of a perceived social stigma.
7. Volunteering: Volunteering gets you out of the house and interacting with other people. It can also provide a sense of purpose – something that retirees often have difficulty finding after they leave the workforce.
8. Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: Poor sleep habits can be a significant contributor to cognitive decline. Tips for better sleep include sticking to a schedule with a goal of getting seven to eight hours of sleep; avoiding nicotine or caffeine before bedtime; sleeping in a cool, dark room; and limiting your daytime napping.

This content is not AI generated.